The most practical and balanced luxury sedan for 2026

Purchasing luxury cars is certainly not what you would call rational. Why spend on a car that costs a lot more than its regular sibling for a posh interior, a perception of prestige and status, and more technical features? But it’s fair to say that luxury cars are objectively more pleasant to drive and feel, hence the continued demand for such vehicles.

There are also luxury brands that offer more value than others, and if you’re looking for a well-balanced and well-priced luxury sedan, chances are you’re looking at Lexus. That’s because, compared to the Germans, Lexus vehicles tend to be more rational in a segment defined by prestige and advanced technology. That’s not to say that this Lexus model lacks modernity, because for 2026 this mid-size luxury sedan will receive a radical new design.

The radical new Lexus ES

For 2026, the Lexus ES midsize luxury sedan enters its eighth generation, with a radical new design inside and out. It also debuts numerous firsts for the Lexus brand.

Goodbye L-Finesse Design

The 2026 Lexus ES is the first production model in the brand’s stable to feature the new Clean Tech x Elegance design language. Gone are the lines and shapes defined by the Lexus Spindle Grille, and in their place are sharper lines and creases. This is best seen in the side profile of the ES, whose character line is not just a simple line, but a black trim piece. For some, this is the most controversial design aspect, so whether you like it or not is completely up to you.

At the front, the Spindle Grille continues its evolution towards the Spindle Body, especially for the all-electric versions of the ES, where it is completely closed. At the rear, the ES features a fastback-style roofline, leading to a sculpted trunk lid with a full-width LED light bar. This also includes illuminated Lexus lettering. Overall, the changes are so radical that opinions about the new ES are divided. One thing’s for sure: it’s a design that looks truly distinctive on the road.

Tech-Forward interior

Continuing its high-tech theme, the interior of the 2026 Lexus ES features a tech-forward design, but if I’m honest, I’m not entirely sure it’s a step forward. First, the horizontal dashboard design may look modern, but it loses some of the interesting textures and materials that the previous ES had. Still, Lexus has made the effort to add available 3D-printed bamboo detailing to retain some of the craftsmanship the ES has always been known for.

On the other hand, a new-generation Lexus infotainment powered by Toyota’s new Arene OS comes with a 14-inch screen as standard, while drivers are greeted with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Lexus has also implemented new ‘Hidden Tech’ switches in the steering and dashboard, illuminating only certain functions depending on the current vehicle function. Optional features include a Mark Levinson surround sound system and even an Executive package that includes power adjustment of the outboard rear seats, massage function and an ottoman on the right rear seat.

Flexible electrification for everyone

For the first time, you can no longer get an ES with a V-6, as it will be discontinued with the 2025 model year. Instead, this will be the first Lexus ES generation to feature electrification as standard.

Fully electric models are the first to debut

When the 2026 Lexus ES arrives early this year, the fully electric models will be the first to go on sale. These are the ES 350e with front-wheel drive (FWD) and the ES 500e with dual motor and all-wheel drive (AWD). From a power perspective, the base ES 350e is rated at 220 hp, while the dual-motor AWD ES 500e is rated at 338 hp. The former is good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds, while the latter does the same sprint in 5.4 seconds.

The Lexus ES 350e has a 77 kWh battery, while the more powerful ES 500e has a slightly smaller 75 kWh unit. Both figures are based on their European specifications, but these will likely be the same for the North American market. Lexus also promises a range of 300 miles for the ES 350e, and 250 miles for the faster ES 500e. Both models also come standard with the NACS charging port, which supports up to 11 kW AC charging, while DC charging from 10 to 80 percent at an undisclosed power is good for 30 minutes.

With the hybrid version debuting later

For those still not keen on an all-electric Lexus ES, that’s where the ES 350h comes into the picture. Toyota has also confirmed that the new ES will debut the new sixth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS VI), which comes with the use of Toyota’s new eAxle found in its EVs such as the ES 350e and ES 500e. eAxle is a more compact electric motor that also integrates the inverter and gearbox into one space-saving unit, resulting in better efficiency and packaging.

2026 Lexus ES Performance Specs

The ES 350h’s THS VI system increases power from the 215 hp produced by the outgoing ES 300h to 243 hp, good for a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds for the FWD version or 7.2 seconds for the AWD version. The new THS VI also enables a higher degree of pure electric driving, but when it needs the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to drive the wheels, it is connected to the wheels via its e-CVT with planetary gear transmission.

Offers ongoing for Lexus ES 2025

But what if you’re not interested in the new ES, and all you want to do is get the best deal out of a new Lexus? You’re in luck, because with the new model coming in, dealers are eager to clear out their inventory for the arrival of the new generation of models.

Low April promotions and lease offers

Until February 2, 2026, the Lexus ES 250, which uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and comes standard with AWD, is offered with a low annual interest rate of 2.99 percent for up to 48 months of financing. The ES 250 AWD is the variant intended for those who want AWD in the Lexus ES, although this is also the least powerful variant. If you prefer to lease, there’s a 36-month offer for $419 per month, $3,999 due at signing and an annual mileage limit of 10,000 miles.

For those in an existing leasing program, Lexus also has what it calls the Lexus Payment Waiver Program. Qualifying Lexus Financial Services lessees can waive up to six remaining monthly lease payments when purchasing or applying for a new Lexus lease. This applies to the 2025 ES or also for other Lexus models.

The V-6 is still attractive

There’s one big reason you might prefer the outgoing Lexus ES, and that’s because of the available 3.5-liter V-6 engine. If you prefer large-displacement engines, the 2025 Lexus ES 350 is still worth considering, especially since the 302-horsepower V-6 is creamy and buttery smooth, not to mention reliable. The engine fits perfectly with what this generation of the Lexus ES represents: effortless luxury in terms of both the driving experience, the interior feel and the overall ownership experience. It is a luxury to hardly have to think about what is going wrong.

Sources: Lexus, AutoEdge, JD power